The 2024 UH Alumni Makers’ Market at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel brought together over 450 University of Hawaiʻi alumni and community members to celebrate the impact alumni have on the state and beyond. The event showcased the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of UH graduates through a variety of food, drinks, and products offered by more than 40 alumni-owned or operated businesses.
President David Lassner, a UH Mānoa graduate himself, expressed his admiration for the event, highlighting the passion and drive of the alumni entrepreneurs. He commended the participants for their dedication to sharing their talents and products with the community, whether they were recent graduates or seasoned professionals. The Makers’ Market provided a platform for these individuals to showcase their unique offerings and connect with fellow alumni and supporters.
One of the attendees, Erin Minaya of Ports + Paws, shared her enthusiasm for the event, noting the positive energy and camaraderie among the UH alumni small businesses. The sense of community and support at the Makers’ Market was palpable, with participants coming together to celebrate each other’s successes and share in the joy of entrepreneurship.
Nick Wong, of Beer Lab Hawaii, echoed Minaya’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of giving back to UH and supporting fellow alumni. The event served as a reminder of the strong bonds and connections forged through the university, as alumni came together to showcase their products and support each other’s ventures.
In addition to celebrating the achievements of UH alumni, the Makers’ Market also aimed to inspire future graduates to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The event served as a testament to the diverse talents and innovative ideas that UH alumni bring to the table, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps and contribute to Hawaiʻi’s economy in meaningful ways.
President Lassner expressed his pride in the accomplishments of the alumni participants and gratitude for their support of UH and each other. He acknowledged the sponsors and community members who helped make the event possible, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and unity in advancing the goals of UH alumni and diversifying Hawaiʻi’s economy.
Overall, the 2024 UH Alumni Makers’ Market was a resounding success, showcasing the talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of UH graduates. The event served as a testament to the strong bonds and connections within the UH alumni community, as well as a source of inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs.